April R.A.K. Wrap Up

I LOVE R.A.K! I love receiving and sending out books. I get super excited to do both! Before I sign up, I try to make sure there is SOMETHING that I can send to someone even if they're just bookmarks.

This month, I did not receive any books. However, I did manage to send out one book and three bookmarks.

I sent Angelina's Bachelors by Brian O'Reilly to Mary from Sweeping Me.

I sent Descended by Blood bookmark to Pragya from Reviewing Shelf.

I sent bookmarks by Rosemary Clement-Moore and Cecilia Grant to Jana from Infinity.

 

April was a great month for kindness :) How big is your R.A.K.?

Decoy Giveaway Winner

The winners have been notified. If they do not reply by May 1, 2012, a new winner will be randomly chosen.

Congratulations to the winners!

Movie Review: Wrath of the Titans

When I found out that my uncle goes to the movies every weekend by himself, I decided to go with him every time I am in town. I just feel bad when I see people go by themselves to watch a movie or to eat alone. So, this weekend was the first time we are starting this tradition and we decided to watch Wrath of the Titans. Let me tell you, totally better than the first movie.

I love that the movie started with the action right away. It was great that Perseus went right ahead to saving the people he cared about, especially his son. He cared not about his injuries, only save those around him or lessen the damage.

It was interesting that Zeus came straight to Perseus and asked him to save the world for the sake of the ones he loves. The gods have weakened because everyone stopped praying to them, and they needed a demi-god to save everyone.

One of my favorites was the god Ares. He was Perseus's brother, except he was a full-blooded god. Seeing him fight was so sexy. His strength and confidence was attractive even though he mostly acted arrogant and angry. It was cool that "praying" to him was like one-way telekinesis with Perseus. When him and Perseus faced each other, it was amazing. It was a bit surprising that Perseus didn't hesitate in killing his brother, though. Despite any hatred or despise, I think there should have been hesitation. Then again, if he hesitated, Ares would have killed him in front of his own son.

My other favorite was Poseidon's son, Agenor. He was so funny whenever he said something. He was practically useless but he had his moments of usefulness. I loved his personality and his comedic timing.

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie. It was action-packed with just the right emotional frustration necessary in a movie. I would recommend it.

Visiting the (Second) Happiest Place on Earth

To all the Disney fans, I'm sorry but San Diego Comic-Con is the happiest place on earth in my opinion :)

But anyway, last week, I joined Misha and her family to Hong Kong and we went to Disneyland. Last time I was in Disneyland was in 1996... But to be quite honest, I felt like a kid again. 

It's true what they say. Adults can also have fun and be a kid again. All the memories of the magical world of Walt Disney rushes back and it's just all so nostalgic. Seeing Cinderella's Castle, hearing Zip-a-dee-doo-dah in the speakers, seeing all the kids in mouse ears, entering Tomorrowland, it's just so cool!

It was my first time in Hong Kong Disneyland and my goal was to eat the famous Disneyland Churros again! Unfortunately, no churros in HK :( But that wasn't gonna let me down. I was with Misha's little sister and younger cousin who wanted to see Mickey Mouse. Seeing their faces light up was priceless!

Hong Kong Disneyland isn't bad at all! A lot of kids will have fun in the park! Of course they have Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Main Street USA, and a new addition, TOY STORY Land. Popular rides like Space Mountain, The Jungle River Cruise, It's a Small World, The Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, and Dumbo are there! Unfortunately, you'll have to go to LA or Florida if you want to see The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. But for sure, the kids will enjoy with the new additions like Buzz Lightyear's ride and Winnie the Pooh's adventure! 

Pictures. Pictures, and more pictures!

Since there was no Churros, I opted for the Mickey Mouse Ice Cream (made by Nestle Ice Cream) and it was deelish! I had to upload photos of It's a Small World since the song is still stuck in my head now...  And mind the Iron Man mask. If you still don't know, Disney acquired MARVEL a couple of years back so Marvel rides in Disney??? A BIG POSSIBILITY!!!

Rapunzel meets the new Flynn Rider? Nah... Misha wanted a scripted pose. For me, the real princess is the one in blue looking angry :)

What I realized in Disneyland is that my parents are just the best! Back in 1992, they brought me to Disneyland in LA and I can only imagine the lines they had to patiently wait in, the crowds they had to face, obnoxious people who don't want to fall in line, etc. For parents, Disneyland can be tiring and expensive! But it's all about making the kids happy! (Thanks Mom and Dad! I still remember the Disneyland trip vividly)

If you're going to Hong Kong, drop by Disneyland and be a kid again :)

XAMPU & GUTIGUTZ: MAX & REX

Quarter Quotes #10

Hi There! I really love L0v3L1f3 so here is another edition of Quarter Quotes from her site! As before, photos are also credited to her, which she credits to Google.


1. Sometimes I wish you'd pay more attention to my favourite songs because the lyrics they sing are the words I'm afraid to say.

2. Don't promise me the moon or the stars, just promise me that you'll stay under them with me.

3. Women wish to be loved not because they're pretty, or good, or graceful , or intelligent, but because they're themselves.

4. A memory lasts forever, never does it die, true friends stay together and never say goodbye.

5. Real beauty comes from inside, and that kind of beauty guarantees happiness because it never fades, never goes out of style and doesn't make people envious or competitive.

6. The worst way to miss someone, is to have them sitting right next to you and know you can never have them.

7. Always laugh when you can. It's cheaper than medicine.

8. A person who never makes mistakes never makes anything.

9. Never frown because you don't know who is falling in love with your smile.

10. The best things in life are unseen that's why we close our eyes when we kiss, cry and dream.

11. Girls are like telephones. They love to be held and talked to, but push the wrong button and you get disconnected.

12. Missing you isn't what hurts. It's knowing that I had you, that's killing me.

I can kind of relate to this right now.

13. A girl is like an apple sitting in a tree, the best ones are too high to reach but not too high to see. So if you've got the guts boy climb up to the top. The good girls are always waiting for a guy not too scared to drop.

14. Sometimes we must get hurt in order to grow, we must fail in order to know, sometimes our visions clear only after our eyes are washed away with tears.

Can you relate to any of the quotes? Did you like the photos? Which quotes/photos are your favorite?

Friday Reads: The Penderwicks

When I first heard people talking about this book, I kept getting it confused with the Pickwick Papers.  *guffaws*  So. Not. The. Same. Book.


The Penderwicks
by Jeanne Birdsall

For: 8-12yos

Genre: Contemporary, Timeless

Published: 2005

Description: This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.

The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will—won’t they? One thing’s for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.

Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, this is a story as breezy and carefree as a summer day.

Why I liked it: I know it sounds silly, but reading this book was like taking a breath of fresh air.  The story wasn't fast-paced or incredibly funny or full of exciting suspense--it's a decidedly "quiet" book--but I found myself reinvigorated by their quiet adventures, like I had personally gone on vacation with the Penderwick family.  It reminded me of my own childhood summers on my grandparents' farm.  Quiet and peaceful, but with just a touch of excitement, enough for me to want to return again and again and again.
---
I'd love some recommendations on vacation books, or "quiet" books for middle-grade readers.  Got a title you'd care to share?  Please do!

And happy weekend reading!

TV Review: Vampire Diaries Season 3: Do Not Go Gentle

OH. MY. EYES! Crying galore. This episode was amazing! Check out my gushing comments during the episode!

I love that Caroline is on Stefan's side :)

Caroline: "Stefan is your epic love."

 

Elena: "I'm going to the dance, and I'd like to go with you."
Stefan: "Uhm.. I'd love that."

My reaction: You're being played Stefan!!! I feel so bad for him. When he found out Damon kissed Elena, he punched him. What if he finds out Elena made out with Damon? It would crush him!

Stefan ringing the doorbell. So romantic!!! They need to get back together. He is so understanding. He is so perfect, I bet Elena feels so bad inside.

Caroline: "Why do you always have to prove you're the alpha male?"
Klaus: "I don't have to prove anything, love. I AM the alpha male."

Klaus sounded like a kid who wants his favorite candy. He just wants to be loved.

Stefan really have something against Klaus now. He seems like he is able to tell people Klaus what to do now.

Why does Caroline love Tyler? I'm sorry, Tyler irritates me.

I love how Klaus always wears white/cream suits. There must be some kind of symbolism to it.

Damon: "He already has a brother. Not that I'm being territorial or anything."

So much tears in this episode...

Stefan: "After I bit you, I never wanted to feel again. But someone kept telling me that it was okay to feel. No matter how much it hurt. That our emotions are what makes us human. Good or bad. And to never lose hope."
Elena: "Who gave you that horrible advice?"
Stefan: "Some girl I used to date."
Elena: "I don't have anyone anymore."
Stefan: "You have me."

The ending was just wrong. Too cruel.

Did you see this episode? Wasn't it amazing?!!! Talk to me in the comments :D

Legendary singer Chavela Vargas celebrates Lesbian Visibility Day

Today, April 26th, several organizations throughout Latin America and Spain are observing the "Dia de Visibilidad Lésbica" or "Lesbian Visibility Day" and urging people to use the hashtag #HazteVisible ['make yourself visible'] to spread the word on Twitter.

At 92 years of age, legendary singer Chavela Vargas might be a surprising convert to Twitter but she has embraced the medium as a way to promote her concerts and records and communicate with her fans.

Vargas, who came out as a lesbian at the age of 81, took to Twitter today to join in the celebration. Posting this amazing recent image of herself she wrote "Orgullosa de ser como soy" ["Proud to be the way I am"] and "Levantemos la voz que no somos invsibles" ["Lets raise our voice since we are not invisible"].

Vargas is revered around the world for her contribution to music and has appeared in films such as Pedro Almodovar's "The Flower of My Secret" and Julie Tymor's "Frida".

Here is one of  Vargas, classics, "Paloma Negra":

Related:

• Chavela Vargas' Wikipedia Page here
• Chavela Vargas' Facebook Fan Page here

The Avengers - A Celebration of Geek Life

No SPOILERS here I promise :)

In 2008, MARVEL released Jon Favreau's masterpiece that was Iron Man. Robert Downyey Jr. made it back to stardom when he played Tony Stark. He was awesome! It was in Iron Man where the MARVEL Studios logo debuted. :)

I saw my cousin Miko when it showed April 30 if I'm not mistaken. I was told "hintayin mo bonus scene. basta." It was in that movie where I really geeked out when Nick Fury appeared and mentioned "The Avenger Initiative"

MARVEL just said that they were building something HUGE! It was a whole plan for a big crossover movie that has never been done before. Sadly, even if DC Comics could do it, they couldn't. They didn't see it coming. Being the Marvel Zombie that I am, I'm glad DC didn't do it. So anyway, the MARVEL then released in chronological order The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, THOR, and Captain America: The First Avenger. 

There were questions on who would direct the film and thank God it was JOSS WHEDON! He was the best choice!

Fast forward to April 25, 2012 and we got the greatest superhero movie of all time, MARVEL's The Avengers.

Jonty and I watch comic book movies together. It's a brotherly thing and I'm grateful that I have a really understanding girlfriend. Misha always lets us have our brotherly gimik.

MARVEL's The Avengers is probably THE MOST ANTICIPATED COMIC BOOK MOVIE of this century. The build up was great and I really tried to lower my expectations. It didn't work... BUT MAN DID IT DELIVER!!!

Having your brother next to you who's also a comic book geek is fantastic! 

The whole movie is a celebration of geek life! Earlier today, I talked to people at work who watched and we were giving ourselves High-Fives! Hahaha! It's just a fantastic movie filled with soooooooo many geek out moments!!! One would really cry in joy with what MARVEL showed. It's just f*#%in phenomenal!!! AMAZEBALLS!!! HOLY SHIT!!! COWABUNGA!!! Seriously, when do guys do that? In basketball games? Not in movies! This was a first for me! Everyone was just really really happy! 

There were kids in the showing last night and surprisingly none of them were annoying like "Who's that Daddy?" There were no side comments in my showing too! There was just respect for the fellow geek!

The movie does NOT disappoint!!!

If you're the type who says "Nah, I'll wait till it dies down...". SHAME ON YOU. This movie is just super super awesome!!!

I'm still on an Avengers high!!!

Yes, I stood at THE ACTUAL HELLICARRIER set piece. This was in San Diego last year :) Hahaha! :P